Bessie (MacDougall) Sutherland
Born In: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: December 13th, 1921
Passed in: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: July 7th, 2012
It is with fond memories and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Bessie Sutherland (MacDougall), who passed away on July 7, 2012, surrounded by her beloved family who embraced her with the courage, love and gratitude that she instilled in them.
Born Dec. 13, 1921, Bessie was a lifelong resident of Sydney Mines until joining her new family at the Northside Guest Home this past year. Bessie devoted herself to her family and a career in CSR at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and later, Northside General, where she worked until her retirement. Many recall her tender loving care and professional manner as she escorted patients to the OR for surgery. Almost 30 years later, people still share their memories of her kind reassurances as she eased the fears of those preparing for these moments. Bessie readily put others before herself, sharing her strength and positive outlook. She radiated energy with a quick smile and a warm hug.
Bessie was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception parish. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 8 and Sydney Mines, and Bras d’Or Senior Citizens and Pensioners clubs. Throughout her golden years, Bessie enjoyed a good game of cards among friends, numerous road trips to Bangor, Nashville, the Tattoo and beyond. She had a large circle of friends and family and the photos to prove it. Bessie always carried a camera to capture fun times filled with laughter and joy.
Left behind to carry on her legacy of faith in God, compassion, respect for all and love of life are her children, Brenda (Hector) MacLean, Anne (Arnold) Davis, Frank (Linda) Sutherland, Sydney Mines, Colleen (Brian) MacNeil, Halifax, and Roddie (Bonnie) Sutherland, Sydney Mines. A generation of 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren are proud to have been connected to their Nannie at every moment of their lives. Many nieces and nephews have been touched by her presence.
Bessie was the last member of her immediate family. Her parents, Murdoch and Elizabeth (Boyle) MacDougall, along with siblings Jane, Mary, Frank, Alex, Murdock and Jessie have gone before. She was also predeceased by her husband, George, in 1972, and more recently, by her grandson, Christopher, in 2010.
Visitation for Bessie Sutherland will be held in the J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines, Tuesday, July 10, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass celebrating her life will take place at Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday, July 11, 10 a.m. with Fr Thomas John officiating
Donations in her memory may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca.
